BOOM!! Zak Brown’s sudden statement about Honda’s withdrawal from Indycar has caused huge consequences for the sport. IndyCar CEO officially intervenes…
The Indycar Series was hit by a bombshell this week when McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown delivered a blunt and unexpected public statement regarding Honda’s rumored exit from the IndyCar paddock. In what many are calling one of the most explosive off-track comments of the past year, Brown didn’t mince words: “If Honda is really walking away from IndyCar, then we’re looking at a very different sport moving forward. This isn’t just about one manufacturer. This is about the long-term health, relevance, and competitiveness of the entire series.”
The remarks, made during an impromptu media availability following McLaren’s test session at Sebring, sent shockwaves through the open-wheel racing community. Within hours, social media platforms were flooded with reactions ranging from panic to outright anger. Team owners, drivers, engineers, and fans all began asking the same question: is Honda actually leaving IndyCar, and if so, what does that mean for the future of the championship?
Honda has been a cornerstone of IndyCar since its full-time return in 2011. The Japanese manufacturer quickly established itself as a dominant force, powering multiple championships, dozens of race wins, and the majority of the grid in recent seasons. In 2024 and 2025, Honda engines carried more than 65% of the full-time entries, including the championship-winning No. 5 Arrow McLaren car of Pato O’Ward and several Andretti Global machines. Losing that level of manufacturer support would instantly create a near-monopoly situation for Chevrolet – a scenario almost everyone in the sport wants to avoid.
Brown’s comments were particularly incendiary because they came from a team principal whose organization has benefited enormously from Honda’s partnership. McLaren’s decision to enter IndyCar in 2020 was heavily influenced by the strength of the Honda program. Brown himself has repeatedly praised the manufacturer’s technical commitment, reliability, and willingness to invest in the series. So when the McLaren boss suddenly voiced serious concern about Honda’s future, it was interpreted by many as a sign that behind-the-scenes discussions had reached a critical point.
Less than 24 hours after Brown’s statement began circulating, IndyCar CEO Mark Miles issued an official response – a move that underscored just how seriously the series is treating the situation. In a carefully worded but unusually direct statement, Miles acknowledged the public concern and confirmed that “active and constructive conversations” were taking place with all manufacturers, including Honda.
“We are fully aware of the speculation surrounding Honda’s participation beyond the current engine supply agreement,” Miles said. “IndyCar remains in regular dialogue with Honda Performance Development and we are confident in our ability to maintain a balanced and competitive manufacturer landscape. IndyCar is stronger with multiple engine suppliers, and we are committed to ensuring that continues.”
While the statement avoided confirming or denying any withdrawal, the speed and tone of the response made it clear that IndyCar leadership views the matter as an existential issue. Sources close to the series say that contingency planning has already begun in case Honda does decide to reduce or end its IndyCar involvement after the 2026 season, when the current engine formula concludes.
Several factors are believed to be fueling the uncertainty. Honda has significantly increased its Formula 1 presence through its works partnership with Aston Martin, which will become a full factory effort in 2026 under the new power unit regulations. At the same time, Honda’s domestic Super Formula program remains a priority, and the company continues to supply power units in other global motorsport categories. Some insiders suggest that the cost of supporting three major open-wheel programs simultaneously may have become difficult to justify internally, especially when IndyCar’s global visibility remains far lower than F1.
Others point to the stalled hybrid introduction in IndyCar. Originally scheduled for 2024, the hybrid program has been repeatedly delayed and is now targeted for 2027 at the earliest. Honda had been one of the most vocal supporters of the hybrid project, believing it would bring technological relevance and help justify its investment. The ongoing delays are said to have caused growing frustration on the Honda side.
Team owners and drivers have begun speaking out as well. Arrow McLaren’s Tony Kanaan, a longtime Honda ally, posted a cryptic message on social media: “Motorsport changes fast. Loyalty should go both ways.” Andretti Global’s Colton Herta, currently leading the 2026 championship hunt in a Honda-powered car, told reporters he was “hopeful but realistic” about the situation. Even Chevrolet teams, who stand to gain the most in the short term, expressed unease. “We don’t want a one-make engine series,” said one Chevrolet-affiliated team principal. “That hurts everyone in the long run – fans, sponsors, television value, everything.”
As the rumor mill continues to spin, attention now turns to the upcoming manufacturer meetings scheduled for next month in Indianapolis. IndyCar has made it clear that preserving a two-supplier grid remains a top priority. Whether Honda will commit to a new technical partnership agreement – potentially under revised commercial terms – or begin a phased withdrawal is the question dominating every conversation in the paddock.
For now, the sport holds its breath. Zak Brown’s blunt warning and Mark Miles’ swift intervention have made one thing abundantly clear: the possibility of Honda leaving IndyCar is no longer a distant hypothetical. It is a very real scenario that could reshape the series for years to come. Whether IndyCar can navigate this storm and emerge with both manufacturers still fully committed will likely define not just the next season, but the long-term trajectory of American open-wheel racing.
